Welcome! Serge Prêtre
has dealt with the fear of nuclear
energy and radioactivity for quite
a time. This fear is based on symbols
which are deeply anchored in the unconscious
and has different effects on various
groups of the society with particular
sensitiveness. According to Serge
Prêtre the then domestication
of fire by the Pithecanthropus shows
numerous analogies with the present
domestication of atomic energy. Serge
Prêtre sees 3 phases in this
domestication's process: (1)
The new risk-loaded technology gradually
loses its mystical and religious character.
(2)
It becomes more understandable and
loses its elite character. (3)
Finally indifference and a resigned
acceptance merge. Serge Prêtre
discusses the possibilities of accelerating
this process. In this global context,
he analyses the consequences of the
Chernobyl catastrophe and shows that
fear has probably brought about more
suffering than ionising radiation.